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Navigate Around These Pitfalls to Deal with Your Fear of Public Speaking

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When it comes time for you to give a big speech, you might find yourself a bit nervous. Not everyone has a fear of public speaking, but for those that do, it can be frustrating. Preparing in advance, and writing a speech that you feel confident delivering, can help you cure your fear of public speaking. There are a few things that should be avoided when you write your speech.

Although these may appear to be simple things, making sure that your speech is free of them can make giving your speech a calmer process.

The first thing to consider when writing your speech is to not have any inappropriate humor in the speech. There is a time for humor, but never at the expense of anyone else. Jokes related to anyone’s sex, religious preference, political stance or gender are off the table.

Make sure your speech does not have any subtle put downs or condescending language against competitors. Some people are not comfortable trying to use humor in their speech. If you are one of these people, do not feel pressure to be funny.

Your speech should be a reflection of your unique personality and a place to put your best foot forward. Do not feel the pressure to make anyone laugh. You can be respected as a good speaker without using humor.

Make sure you use short, simple sentences when writing your speech. Long sentences with complex terms usually lose an audience. Shorter sentences are more easily understood. Also practice your voice and body language. Articulation, the use of a clean and crisp speaking pattern, is very important to being clearly understood.

Practice over articulating your words to be heard, and even doing some vocal warm ups. These things can help you feel more confident. Practice saying your speech with energy and feeling. When you practice your speech with confidence you will deliver it with confidence. The more warmth and enthusiasm you are able to exude, the more your audience will respond positively to you and your message. Remember to take deep breaths and smile often. Practice saying your points with feeling and emotion. Underline important points so you can remember to emphasize these words or topics.

Lastly, double check which microphone form you will be using. Some speeches are given with a lapel mike so that you can move freely and talk with your hands, while other speeches utilize a hand held or podium microphone. Practice using a microphone beforehand so that this can be an additional stressor removed from your plate.

When you prepare your speech in advance, you can enter your event with the knowledge that you will deliver it with confidence. Soon, you too can be freed from the fear of public speaking after little practice and preparation.

Curb Your Fear of Public Speaking by Being Prepared

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Does fear of public speaking make you feel unsure of yourself? Would you rather do just about anything than be forced to give a speech? Do you find yourself avoiding certain situations because you know you might be required to be the center of attention?

In many career paths, and in many life events, public speaking is a requirement. Although it can be uncomfortable to begin with, you can overcome your fear of public speaking and get on the road to a success in your life or business endeavors.

The most important thing when trying to get over your fear of public speaking, is to plan ahead. Here are three different strategies that  will make your whole presentation process a calmer and easier one.

Prepare Before Your Speak

To begin with, you need to focus first on what will happen before your speech. Yes, before! Many people think that waiting till the last possible minute could make them feel calmer, but this is far from the truth.

Here are a few tips for what you can do before your speech to relax you. These ideas will make you feel even more confident about the speech you are about to give.

First, arrive early. This way you can have time to see the layout of the room you are going to present in, and to feel comfortable with it.

Second, check all the technological equipment. Odds are high you will be using some form of technology in your presentation, and the more familiar you are with it, the better. Check to make sure lights work well, your PowerPoint opens  successfully, that the microphone is plugged in, etc. Checking all of these in advance will lead to decreased anxiety about the “what if’s” that could take place during your presentation. Go ahead and double check them a second time to feel really secure.

Make sure that all of your materials are set up, and that you have a contact person easily reachable in case there are any issues with equipment. Now that all is set up, you are ready to practice. Practice, as the old adage goes, makes perfect, and the more time you allow yourself to rehearse, the easier the speech will be.

Lastly, make sure to allow yourself adequate time to relax in the space and practice your speech, and you will be taking a significant step towards  decreasing your fear of public speaking.

Do You Deal with Stress that Comes from the Fear of Public Speaking?

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Fear of public speaking is very common and is a major cause of stress at work. But how does one deal with stress and feel good about speaking in front of groups?

Initially, it is best to understand some of the underlying causes of public speaking stress.  They differ for everyone yet there is a common denominator for many. Simply put, speaking in front of groups can trigger uncomfortable emotions from previous experiences.

For example, think about a time as a youth in school and raising your hand to speak or answer a question only to receive ridicule, laughter or perhaps harsh feedback.  These typical events cause reluctance to not want to “speak up” and contribute later during classroom, life and work environments.

This uncomfortable memory is filed away (usually into our subconscious) and the same feeling state associated with the event in also filed away with it. Then the anxiety peaks its head at the very thought of speaking in front of groups.

Panic and a crippling nervousness may also be felt. The stress can start at the very thought of having to speak, or when planning the talk, and when delivering the talk.  Additionally, it can continue several minutes after the talk as the body is de-stressing from the actual feeling state experience.

It is usually the feeling state, that is, stress and anxiety, etc., that is triggered that causes many people to deal with stress by avoiding speaking situations at all costs.  Some say they would rather “die” than speak in front of a group.  Some careers have not flourished because of the fear of moving into positions that require presentations to clients, staff or coworkers, etc.

Additionally, fear of public speaking can also surface when asked to deliver a toast at a wedding, a eulogy, or when asked to share a simple prayer at meal time.  It is the “feeling state” that is immobilizing and the state that one wants to avoid.

So what can be done to deal with stress in a public speaking situation? Practice of course  is always beneficial to assist with speaking fears.  Yet to get emotional relief, requires understanding the emotional intelligence associated with ones feeling state.  Once this is identified and “released” the anxiety and fear dissipates.  It is a skill that can be learned. The anxiety and nervousness lessens noticeably and ones speaking comfort and confidence increases naturally.